2022-2024 Audi Quattro Ultra Vibrations in Tight Turns TSB

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 39 24 58 2059057/7, dated February 15, 2024, to address customer concerns regarding vibrations and binding sensations in vehicles equipped with the Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive system. This TSB supersedes a previous bulletin, 39 23-56, from October 9, 2023, and provides updated information for diagnosing and resolving the issue of Audi Quattro Ultra vibrations.

This bulletin applies to various Audi models from 2017 through 2024, including the A4, A5, S4, S5, RS 5, A6, A7, Q5, and SQ5, specifically those equipped with the Quattro Ultra drivetrain. The TSB details a comprehensive repair procedure, which may involve an all-wheel-drive clutch fluid change or, in some cases, replacement of the all-wheel-drive clutch itself.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may experience the following symptoms:

• Noises from the drive train when pulling away quickly from a stop with the wheels turned.
• Vibrations, humming, droning, or rubbing when fully turning the steering wheel. These sensations can be felt in the vehicle interior and/or the rear seats.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

Audi technicians are instructed to reproduce the customer's concern to confirm the issue. During diagnosis, it's important to note that this condition typically occurs without any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) being stored. Specifically, the transmission control module (TCM), identified as J217 (address word 002), and the all-wheel-drive control module, J492 (address word 0022), will not show any related DTCs.

Technicians will use ODIS Guided Functions to read measured values from the All-Wheel Drive Electronics (address 0022) and upload diagnosis logs to GFF Paperless.

Technical Background

The root cause of the Audi Quattro Ultra vibrations and binding is attributed to the inherent design of the Quattro Ultra system. During very tight cornering, the different speeds between the front axle differential and the rear final drive, combined with a closed four-wheel-drive clutch 1, can lead to the described humming, drumming, vibrations, or binding sensations.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure outlined in TSB 39 24 58 2059057/7 involves a multi-step process, beginning with an all-wheel-drive clutch fluid change. If the issue persists, the all-wheel-drive clutch may need to be replaced.

Phase 1: All-Wheel-Drive Clutch Fluid Change (Steps 1-16)

1. Verify if this TSB has been previously performed and if the vehicle has been driven at least 60 miles since the repair. If so, skip to step 16.
2. Ensure the S-Tronic transmission is at its operating temperature.
3. Read and upload measured values from the All-Wheel Drive Electronics (address 0022) using ODIS Guided Functions.
4. Completely drain the ATF from the four-wheel-drive clutch 1.
5. Document and photograph the ATF quality, then upload the images to DOC_IT with the repair order.
6. Fill the clutch with new ATF (part number G 055 515 A2) and set the fluid level according to the repair manual, reusing the sealing bolts.
7. Drive the vehicle until the transmission reaches operating temperature.
8. Allow the vehicle to cool down for at least 30 minutes.
9. Repeat the drive cycle to reach operating temperature.
10. Drain the ATF from the four-wheel-drive clutch 1 again completely.
11. Fill with new ATF (part number G 055 515 A2) and set the fluid level, replacing the sealing bolts this time.
12. Repeat the drive cycle to reach operating temperature.
13. Allow the vehicle to cool down for at least 30 minutes.
14. Perform the basic setting "Reset learnt values for oil ageing" using ODIS Guided Functions or Self Diagnosis (All-Wheel Drive Electronics, address 0022).
15. Test drive the vehicle to confirm normal operation.
16. If the condition is resolved, release the vehicle to the customer.

Phase 2: All-Wheel-Drive Clutch Replacement (Steps 17-18) 17. If the Audi Quattro Ultra vibrations or binding is still present after the oil change procedure and 60 miles of driving, replace the All-Wheel Drive Clutch according to the Elsa repair manual. 18. Complete the repair by using ODIS Guided Functions, All-Wheel Drive Electronics (address 0022) to replace the control module.

Required Parts and Tools

For the oil change procedure (Steps 1-16), the following parts are required:

• G 055 515 A2: Transfer box gear oil (ATF) - Quantity 02
• N 90281802: Seal Bolt (combination) - Quantity 02
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws as needed per the Repair Manual (See ETKA)

For replacing the All-Wheel Drive Clutch (Steps 17-18), the following parts are required:

• Order to VIN: Four Wheel Coupling - Quantity 01
• N 91239202: Bolt Hexagon socket flat head bolt M8 x 100 - Quantity 01
• N 10739501: Bolt Hexagon socket flat head bolt M8 x 70 - Quantity 03
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws as needed per the Repair Manual (See ETKA)

Important Warnings

NOTICE: The condition may take up to 60 miles of running before it is corrected after the oil change procedure. Owners should be aware that the symptoms may not immediately disappear after the initial repair and require some driving for the system to adapt.

Warranty Information

This repair falls under Claim Type 110 and is covered for up to 48 Months or 50,000 Miles. All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

NHTSA ID: 10250543